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What Should I charge people?

08-01-2013, 12:03 PM

So I am currently out of a job, but I have been very busy doing Fab jobs (design and build) and repairs for people. I am making decent money but I feel like I am WAY undercharging people (compared to local shop prices). What do you guys feel is a fair price for a freelance welder these days?

(I have been charging about $20 an hour + cost of material, using ALL of my own gear/consumables)

Not trying to give you a hard time but the above items take a large percentage out of the hourly rate. If your just out for some quick cash while in between jobs I still think it's low at least for my area. The local day laborers by me get $125 to 150 per day.

Comment

If you are only charging $20 an hour for your labor, consumables, and electricity/wear and tear of equipment and a whole slew of other things you haven't considered, then you are charging way too low.
Shops around this area are at a MINIMUN $40 an hour. Some go to $60 an hour.
Not sure where you are located, but $20 is way too low.
Personally, my shop rate is $50 an hour + material for basic light fab and weld repair.

Comment

I used to make $12 an hour, way underpaid... the shops around here charge a minimum in of $75/hr inhouse with a minimum of 2 hrs. The only other mobile welding service place charges $180/hr with a minimum of 2hrs. But I have all of my own gear and work out of my truck its, I'm currently not licensed but I am seeking employment.

Comment

I want to go legit but here is my theory...I had to work my ass off to save enough money to buy equipment, a truck, and paying for living expenses while being taxed. And now the government gets to double tax me for everything that I have accomplished? To **** with that. Its Un-American and I will not Stand for it. I do not want to go into politics, this is a welding forum. And I Guaran-god****-tee you that 90% of millerwelds forums are not liberals, so you catch my drift.

Comment

I want to go legit but here is my theory...I had to work my ass off to save enough money to buy equipment, a truck, and paying for living expenses while being taxed. And now the government gets to double tax me for everything that I have accomplished? To **** with that. Its Un-American and I will not Stand for it. I do not want to go into politics, this is a welding forum. And I Guaran-god****-tee you that 90% of millerwelds forums are not liberals, so you catch my drift.

Comment

I used to make $12 an hour, way underpaid... the shops around here charge a minimum in of $75/hr inhouse with a minimum of 2 hrs. The only other mobile welding service place charges $180/hr with a minimum of 2hrs. But I have all of my own gear and work out of my truck its, I'm currently not licensed but I am seeking employment.

When I commented on the original post, I was under the impression that you were in a shop. If you are mobile, that changes everything.
As the other posts have stated, you should be making MINIMUM $75 an hour with a one hour minimum, plus a service call (call out) fee, plus material. Here in my area, $100 an hour, one hour minimum, and $50 call out fee(or $1.50/mile) was what I charged and never did I have one person complain about the rate. If there is only one other mobile welding service out there, you should be charging as much or almost as much as them.
As for the taxman, there are ways to play the game like the big boys do.
If it is just you and your rig (outfitted of course), start-up cost is very minimal.
And trust me when I tell you this, you can get your money back very quickly if you are business savvy.